Ralf's Crazy Carnival Colleagues

American Holidays Part 2 - San Francisco

What a treat to spend Christmas in California with the whole clan! The photos tell most of the story - save for Dad's operation...he simply refused to pose :)

American Holidays Part 1 - New York City

First stop on our American tour - New York City. Ralf enjoyed better acquainting me with his old stomping grounds and friends. A snow storm "grounded" us for one afternoon but made for a special holiday scene - a snow covered city. We won't be getting that in California! We did all the things city visitors should do - shopping, good eating, museums, cafes and live music - and I began to understand why Ralf loves this city so much.

I've Been a Bad Blogger

So to catch up as quickly as possible on the last few months - a photo montage:

Our House is Warm

Saturday - friends, family, neighbors and colleagues joined us on the 4th floor to officially warm the new house. The weather cooperated and warmed up too allowing us spread out and show off our terrace and city view. Our friend Jason warmed our hearts with an official blessing over us and the new place - that we would be good hosts and that those who come would be blessed as well. To that we say Amen and hope that Saturday was a good start in that direction!

Summer Vacation

Our not so Lazy Summer Days

Celebrating the USA

When the Parents come to Town

The Best Apartment Ever

After two weeks, that's what we're calling her. There is still a lot of work to do, but we are already feeling very much at home in our new apartment. With the help of Ralf's parents, we managed to get the kitchen moved and reinstalled in working order and our old apartment completely renovated in two days. We really couldn't have managed things without them! Tuesday night Ralf recruited some guys to help with the heavy lifting - they were all relieved when everything, including the couches, fit in the elevator, saving them the hike up 5 stories. Since then we've been busy unpacking and decorating. Sunday we took advantage of the great weather we've been having and hosted our first grill party. Monday we hosted all our neighbors over for cake and coffee. I am in entertaining heaven!